Learning Targets

Standard: CCSS 6.RP.A.2–3 Time: ~35 min Materials: This activity (device or printed) Grade 6
Teacher Notes (not printed)

Pacing

  • Whole-class launch (5 min): Read the scenario aloud. Ask: "What does 'unit rate' mean in real life?"
  • Independent work (20–25 min): Students work through Tasks 1–6. Circulate and prompt with Socratic questions.
  • Debrief (5–10 min): Share Part 3 (equivalent ratios) and Part 5 (percent) on the board. Discuss strategies.

Grouping Suggestions

  • Partners: Pair students for Tasks 3–4 (ratio tasks) to encourage discourse.
  • Individual: Tasks 1, 2, 5, 6 for independent practice and accountability.

Differentiation — Support

  • Provide a ratio table graphic organizer for Tasks 3–4.
  • Allow calculator use on Tasks 5–6 for students with IEP/504 accommodations.
  • Pre-teach vocabulary: ratio, rate, unit rate, percent, equivalent.

Differentiation — Challenge

  • Ask: "Could you write Task 6 as a proportion and solve it? Show two methods."
  • Have students create a second equivalent ratio for Task 3 that was NOT listed as an answer.
  • Extension: find what percent of the 80-liter tank is filled after 30 liters are used.

ESOL / Language Supports

  • Pair the word "rate" with a visual (price tag per item, speedometer).
  • Post a bilingual vocabulary card: rate / tasa, ratio / razón, percent / por ciento.
  • Allow oral responses or drawing for the reflection prompt.
CCSS 6.RP.A.2–3 · Grade 6

Pit-Crew Architect — Build the Winning Race Car

What to do: You are the pit-crew engineer in Ratio Rally. Build each car part by setting rates, ratios, and percents. Tap, drag, or set the numbers, then press Check My Build.

0 of 6 parts built

Tune the Fuel Price (unit rate)

4 cans of fuel cost $12. Set the price for 1 can.

0 per 1 can
4 cans = $12, so 1 can = ?

Hint: $12 ÷ 4 cans = price for 1 can.

Set the Engine Speed (miles per hour)

The car goes 150 miles in 3 hours. Type the speed for 1 hour.

miles per hour

Hint: 150 miles ÷ 3 hours = miles in 1 hour.

Match the Tire Mix (equivalent ratio)

The grip mix is 2 red : 3 blue. Tap the lane with the same ratio.

Hint: multiply both numbers by the same amount. 2×3 and 3×3.

Scale Up the Pit Crew (equivalent ratio)

1 driver needs 5 helpers. Build the crew for 4 drivers. Set the number of helpers.

0 helpers for 4 drivers
1 driver : 5 helpers → 4 drivers : ? helpers

Hint: 4 drivers is 4 times 1 driver, so multiply helpers by 4.

Charge the Boost Bar (percent of a number)

The full tank holds 80 liters. Fill the bar to 25% of the tank. Then type how many liters that is.

liters

Hint: 25% means 25 out of 100. 25% of 80 = 80 ÷ 4.

Measure the Track (convert units)

The car uses 2 liters of fuel for every 10 miles. Type how many miles it can go on 6 liters.

miles

Hint: 2 liters = 10 miles, so 1 liter = 5 miles. Then ×6.

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Scoring Rubric

Level Score Description
4 — Exceeds 6 / 6 All 6 parts correct. Demonstrates fluent unit-rate, equivalent-ratio, and percent reasoning. Work is complete and precise (e.g., slider set to exactly 25%, correct equivalent ratio identified on first try).
3 — Meets 4–5 / 6 Most rate and ratio tasks correct; may have one arithmetic slip on the percent or fuel-conversion task. Equivalent-ratio logic is clearly applied.
2 — Approaching 2–3 / 6 Some correct unit rates or ratios, but errors indicate partial understanding (e.g., adds instead of multiplies for equivalent ratios, or confuses percent with the whole number).
1 — Beginning 0–1 / 6 Attempts made but answers reflect significant misunderstanding of rate/ratio/percent concepts. Needs direct instruction and guided practice before re-attempt.
Answer Key (not printed)

Part 1 — Fuel Price (Unit Rate)

Answer: $3 per can. Reasoning: $12 ÷ 4 cans = $3/can.

Part 2 — Engine Speed (Unit Rate)

Answer: 50 miles per hour. Reasoning: 150 miles ÷ 3 hours = 50 mph.

Part 3 — Tire Mix (Equivalent Ratio)

Answer: 6 : 9. Reasoning: 2 × 3 = 6 and 3 × 3 = 9. Both terms scaled by 3 → same ratio. Distractors: 2:5 (different sum), 4:9 (4÷2=2 but 9÷3=3, different scale factor), 3:2 (reversed).

Part 4 — Pit Crew (Equivalent Ratio)

Answer: 20 helpers. Reasoning: 1 driver : 5 helpers → 4 drivers : 4 × 5 = 20 helpers.

Part 5 — Boost Bar (Percent of a Number)

Answer: 20 liters. Reasoning: 25% of 80 = 80 × (25/100) = 80 × 0.25 = 20. Equivalently, 80 ÷ 4 = 20. Slider should be set to 25%.

Part 6 — Track Distance (Rate Reasoning)

Answer: 30 miles. Reasoning: Unit rate = 10 miles ÷ 2 liters = 5 miles/liter. Then 6 liters × 5 miles/liter = 30 miles.

Reflection

Deliverable: Enter your name in the field above, complete all 6 tasks, write your reflection, then press Check My Build to submit and save your score as a PDF or DOC.